Distillery of Modern Art Bourbon Review

Distillery: Distillery of Modern Art—Chamglee, GA

Proof: 90.0 (45.0% ABV)

Age: NAS

Mashbill: 67% Corn, 21% Abruzzi Rye, 12% Malted Barley

MSRP: $50

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Subtle.  Grain Driven.  Where’s the Oak?

Distillery of Modern Art isn’t a typical whiskey operation.  The building pulls double duty as a working distillery and a contemporary art gallery, where exhibits change seasonally and visitors can enjoy spirits surrounded by sculpture and mixed-media installations.  It’s a unique concept that merges the practice of distillation precision with the creativity of art.

The mash bill includes non-GMO white corn, malted barley, and Abruzzi rye—a grain that traces its roots back to Georgia and the mid-1950s.  Abruzzi rye has an Italian history and was cultivated in 1953 for planting in the conditions throughout the southeastern US.  Unlike the high-spice rye grains that are commonplace today, Abruzzi rye tends toward a softer, more herbal grain profile with floral and earthy notes rather than the sharp pepper notes.

Additionally, there is the use of non-GMO white corn, that produces alcohol that is tagged as a cleaner, sweeter flavor profile along with a lower oil content compared to the standard yellow dent corn used by most distilleries.  

This expression aims for a modern bourbon while drawing on historic grain tradition.

Distillery of Modern Art Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 3.9/5

Toasted marshmallow.  Orange zest.  Dry hay.  Light nutmeg.
Strengths: The Nose leans well toward toasted sugar, the dry hay adds “rustic” notes.  Notes are clear and well-defined, especially for the proof point.
Why It’s Not Higher:  No-to-faint presence of oak notes.  Time in the glass doesn’t expand the Nose or bring additional complexity.
Rating Justification:  The Nose spotlights the sweet corn notes and citrus.  Aligns well with its small-batch, craft origin.

Palate – 3.8/5

Sweet cornbread.  Lemon oil.  Shortbread cookie.  Light clove.
Strengths:  Steady dose of corn sweetness and light citrus.  Clove notes offer a small amount of influence.  Mouthfeel is slightly heavy.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Some citrus bitterness interrupts an otherwise smooth progression between flavors.
Rating Justification:  The Palate is delicate, grain-driven, and softly spiced.  A richness is not present and suggests additional aging would improve the expression.

Finish – 3.6/5

Chamomile tea.  White pepper.  Lemon Pledge polish.
Strengths:  Ends with lightly spiced notes that linger long. 
Why It’s Not Higher:  Could use some oak or sweetness to help anchor the Finish.
Rating Justification:  The Finish matches the easygoing nature of the whiskey.  Doesn’t contribute to improving the overall experience.

Value – 3.7/5

Looking at this $50 bourbon and how it competes with craft expressions in the 90–100 proof range, there are many more in the market with transparent age statements and higher proof points.  For this bottling, the appeal is its distinct grain-forward style and the use of an uncommon regional grain.

Strengths:  The moderate proof point makes it approachable for those who are somewhat new to bourbon or enthusiasts who appreciate a bourbon on the subtle side.
Why It’s Not Higher:  For the price, enthusiasts will likely expect more char  influence or more boldness to the Palate.
Value Justification:  A good fit for those seeking individuality or like the idea of the grain profile.  This is not the choice for those chasing oak notes or high-proof intensity.

Distillery of Modern Art Bourbon Review: The Verdict

This is a bourbon that stands on its regional distinctiveness.  For drinkers who appreciate a clear, clean expression using local grains without heavy oak dominance, Distillery of Modern Art Bourbon is an easy sipper you might want to explore—especially if you value individuality over conformity.

Verdict – 3.75/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3